Engineer PC&D (Middelburg) at Columbus Stainless

Services to the business unit include:

• Identify problem areas requiring improvement as directed by business KPI’s
• Quantify the underlying contributory causes to the problems
• Study the problem at the hand of the contributory causes and propose solutions
• Implement solutions including automation, mistake proofing, manufacturing procedures etc.
• Sustain and continuously improve performance through the automated systems and processes.
• Plan, direct and co-ordinate hot rolling process improvements linked to PC&D systems to improve quality, efficiency and availability. 
• Investigate all modelling and control system failures and associated deviations to implement corrective and preventive actions. 
• Implement solutions to assist with process and product development in association with Level 1 or 2, Technical and Production departments through consultation with other disciplines/departments.
• Maintain and develop the following systems:
• Heat transfer modelling (finite element heat transfer Level 2 model) and combustion systems (Level 1).
• Rolling modelling (Level 2): Speed, temperature, forces, torques and flatness control models (including neural network).
• Level 1 thickness, flatness, strip cooling and coiling mostly feedback control systems. 
• Expert System for continuous process parameter optimisation of the heating and rolling processes (including Fuzzy Logic).
• Weekly standby on a rotational basis with the other PC&D team members.
• Ensure compliance with the goals as defined in KPIs. 
• Identify problems, investigate solutions and solve problem in order to achieve those goals.
• Constantly co-ordinate process deviations with all relevant parties.
• React and correct all substandard process conditions

Requirements

• B Eng. (Electrical, Metallurgical, Mechanical) or Computer Science or Computer Engineering
• 2-5 years experience in Software development (C, C++, C#, Visual Basic, etc), specifically in the engineering control software field.
• Knowledge of Level 2 type first principle models for heating and rolling technology.
• Knowledge of how these Level 2 models are automatically calibrated using artificial intelligence or other simpler methods.
• Knowledge of control systems and instrumentation is a plus.
• Creative and strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or industrial environment is a plus.
• Enjoys working in the field of engineering solution development.